Next Gen All Star: Jessica Thomsen

By Natalie Forster, Editorial Director, Nicole Krawcke

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Jessica Thomsen

AGE: 36

COMPANY: RICH-TOMKINS CO.

TITLE: PROJECT & SHOWROOM SPECIALIST

How long have you been in the PHCP-PVF industry?

Combined a total of nine years.

What drew you into the industry?

My father was a mechanical contractor so I grew up around the business. I ended up studying interior design and I believe that, coupled with my family experience helped push me to where I am.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working in the industry?

The best part is seeing a project be built. Watching it move from plans, to concrete pours, to final trims, and ultimately changing a skyline is the most rewarding part.

What motivates you every day?

My kids – I hope to instill a love for our trades in them so they can take up the baton next.

What is one thing you wish more people knew/understood about the PHCP-PVF industry?

How many amazing people work in it! Every day we get a chance to meet someone new, teach and learn, and grow relationships that could last a lifetime. That I definitely learned from my dad – this industry builds connections that have longevity.

What has been your proudest moment in your career so far?

Reaching the manufacturer representative level. To dial in to our brands and impact the ability of growth in our market directly has been incredibly rewarding. And doing it pregnant…twice!

What is one thing most people don’t know about you?

I’m an artist at heart. I see the creativity in avenues that don’t usually get that credit, especially a beautifully laid out rough in, and my art background helps with that.

“Jessica cut her teeth with Ferguson and became one of their top showroom associates. She then left the industry to start a family. We were fortunate enough to gain her as a teammate when she decided to come back into the field and she has been better than advertised. Currently she focuses on architects and developers to help drive specifications. She also oversees support for our wholesaler and kitchen and bath showrooms at all levels. She manages developer and builder relationships and helps with CEU trainings for our design and engineer communities. Jessica helped spearhead our multi-family and commercial tracking initiative. She is in constant contact with our regional managers for planning and tracking a sales plan that she works with our team to put together. She participates in NEWH, BIA, IFDA and ASPE organizations.”

— Rollie Pastor, Rich Tomkins Co

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Natalie Forster is the director of communications for the American Supply Association (ASA), where she leads the association's public and media relations strategy, social media efforts, and member-focused online and print communications. Prior to joining ASA, she was the Editorial Director of Plumbing & Mechanical and Supply House Times. Before that, she served as an editor and digital content director for Southern Trade Publications, a publishing company focused on the PHCP trades and real estate industries. Natalie holds a bachelor's degree in communication studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Nicole Krawcke is the former Chief Editor of Plumbing & Mechanical. She joined BNP Media in 2014 and served as Web Editor and Business Management Editor of The ACHR NEWS. Prior to joining BNP, she worked at Patch.com, a hyper-local news platform focused on community journalism. She has 10 plus years of writing and editing experience and holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Michigan State University.